South-South Governors Applaud Tinubu’s Direct Oil Revenue Directive and Demand Urgent Review of PIA Provisions

South-South governors praise President Tinubu’s direct oil revenue order while demanding a PIA review to increase host community stakes.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 26, 2026, 5:50 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from People's Gazette

Regional Support for Fiscal Reform

In a significant show of cross-party alignment, the governors of the South-South region have thrown their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive regarding oil revenue. The order mandates that all oil-related earnings be channeled directly into the Federation Account, a move intended to eliminate the "middleman" delays and opacity that have historically plagued Nigeria’s energy sector. Speaking after a consultative meeting on February 26, 2026, the governors noted that this level of transparency is essential for the states to plan their budgets with greater accuracy and reliability.

The Push for PIA Amendments

While the governors expressed satisfaction with the revenue flow, they remained firm on the need for structural legislative changes. The primary focus of their grievance is the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA). The South-South leaders argued that the current 3% allocation to the Host Communities Development Trust is insufficient given the environmental degradation and economic displacement caused by oil extraction. They are advocating for a review that increases this stake to at least 10%, asserting that empowered local communities are the best defense against pipeline vandalism and illegal refining.

Environmental Justice and Economic Stakes

The governors also used the forum to highlight the "ecological debt" owed to the Niger Delta. They contended that while the federal government is focused on revenue collection, the actual cleanup of oil-polluted sites remains sluggish. By seeking a review of the PIA, the governors hope to secure more direct funding for environmental restoration projects that are independent of central government bureaucracy. This demand is positioned not just as an economic request but as a matter of survival for the millions of residents whose livelihoods in fishing and farming have been decimated by decades of spills.